Report: Nick Saban Apologized to Maria Taylor for Rant After Question on QBs

Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban apologized to ESPN sideline reporter Maria Taylor for his curt response to a question about quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts following Saturday's 51-14 win over the Louisville Cardinals.

James Andrew Miller, who co-authored a book about the history of ESPN, reported Sunday that Saban reached out to Taylor by phone to address the situation.

SportsCenter shared the postgame exchange between the two:

SportsCenter @SportsCenter

Nick Saban responded critically to a question about his QBs after Alabama's win. https://t.co/sZCvIox2Dq

"Well, I still like both guys. I think both guys are good players," Saban said to Taylor (h/tUSA Today'sJosh Peter). "I think both guys can help our team, all right? So why do you continually try to get me to say something that doesn't respect one of them? I'm not going to. So quit asking."

Many criticized Saban for his reaction to a question about what has been the biggest storyline surrounding Alabama entering the 2018 season:

Taylor Rooks @TaylorRooks

Maria asked Saban an incredibly fair and necessary question. He didn’t have to answer.....There were so many other ways for him to say it: “I don’t want to answer that question anymore, both guys are talented” the testiness and tone were both unnecessary. We all have jobs to do.

Chris Fowler @cbfowler

excellent colleague @MariaTaylor7 asked a fair QB question of Saban - which he must have misinterpreted - and he blew his stack. Unwarranted. It’s a cumulative thing, but NO intent to “disrespect” Hurts. (May be a long, uncomfortable year of press conferences in T-town!)

J.A. Adande @jadande

It’s hard to respect Nick Saban when he won’t respect other professionals who are doing their jobs and doing their jobs well. Maria Taylor brought up the No. 1 topic with Alabama and phrased her question perfectly. Saban’s response was uncalled for.

In the buildup to the Crimson Tide's season opener, Sabandeclined to name neither Tagovailoanor Hurts as the starting quarterback. Although Tagovailoaplayed more Saturday, Hurts also got on the field, thus ensuring the questions would continue.

Tagovailoafinished 12-of-16 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, while Hurts was 5-of-9 for 70 yards. It would appear Tagovailoais Saban's preferred option under center, but this will remain a story until he definitively states the sophomore is his No. 1 choice.

The Tide return to the field Saturday against the Arkansas Red Wolves and then open up SEC play with the Ole Miss Rebels on Sept. 15.